2011: Ribadu Has No Deal With Jonathan, Obasanjo —Campaign Team
The Nuhu Ribadu Campaign Organisation has described as false propaganda rumours being spread in certain parts of the country that he has a deal with President Goodluck Jonathan and former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the 2011 presidential race.
The Campaign Group of the presidential candidate of Action Congress of Nigeria, was reacting to what it described as “malicious messages, in form of sms and wall postings, written in Hausa (and) particularly being spread in Northern Nigeria alleging that the Presidential candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has clandestine deals with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and President Goodluck Jonathan”.
In a statement signed by Ibrahim Modibbo, its Director of Media and Publicity, made available to PM NEWS today, the Campaign Group said there is no truth whatsoever in such assertions.
“We would like to state with candor that Nuhu Ribadu has no agreement whatsoever with any of the above mentioned persons”.
The Ribadu Campaign Organisation added that the decision of the former anti graft czar to contest the presidency is borne out of his genuine determination to “bring positive change to Nigeria and Nigerians; to build a Nation which every citizen will be proud of”.
“That the ACN, the second largest party in Nigeria and the most progressive of all with people oriented policies, chose Mallam Ribadu as its presidential candidate is a confirmation of the determination of not only Mr. Ribadu but also of the ACN to positively transform the country.
“Mallam Nuhu Ribadu is determined to bring change to Nigeria, to bring transparency and good governance to Nigeria, and to lead all good spirited Nigerians who want to positively transform the country; and that is why he is seeking to become President on the platform of the ACN”, said the Ribadu Campaign Organisation.
It added that: “Mallam Ribadu has always stated that 12 years of PDP rule and particularly 4 years of Presidents Yar’Adua and Jonathan’s administration have not brought any development to Nigerians, rather it brought untold hardship, insecurity and joblessness to people of our great country; and he is more than ready to change the status quo”.
The Organisation therefore asked those behind the speculations to desist from further spreading it while asking the public to ignore the rumour.
“While everyone is free to express his/her opinion in a democracy, we call on all to be truthful and just in making statement and claims
“The Nuhu Ribadu campaign organisation therefore advises all Northerners and indeed all Nigerians to ignore all this base less propaganda which are meant to deceive the public”, it concluded.
Meanwhile, Mallam Ribadu has also condemned last Friday’s killing of Alhaji Fannami Modu Gubio, who was the gubernatorial candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in Borno State.
In a press statement signed by his campaign organization, the former boss of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC who said he was deeply shocked when he received the news of the assassination called fora thorough investigation to unravel the killers and bring them to book.
While expressing his sympathy with the relatives of the deceased, the ACN presidential candidate noted that Goodluck Jonathan administration has failed to rise up to the challenge of security confronting the country.
“We have had cause to call on the government to take a bold look at the security situation in the country and take decisive action on the seemingly endless breach,but it appears our advice is not taken seriously.
“Sadly, all that the government hasbeen doing is to express shock and amazement at the killings, and nothing more.
“It must go beyond that.
“ Government must ensure that the security agencies are fully utilized to the service of the entire citizenry, rather than just a cross section of well placed individuals.
“At the moment, majority of police officers are attached to the residences of individuals to provide them with security at the expense of the generality of the populace. This is unacceptable.
“All resources must be deployed to ensure effective security in all places.
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu also calls on the government to ensure that the nation’s borders are adequately policed.
“Let’s not forget that it was in the same Borno that the media reported how some armed gangs came in from a foreign country,and killed hapless Nigerians before returning to their country.
“A situation where those that are supposed to protect the people have turn out to be the target themselves is very alarming.
“But the people of Borno need to come together now more than ever before and help the security agencies in ensuring the safety of all.
—Oluokun Ayorinde/Abuja
Comments